Ancient Olympia full day private tour from Athens

Following the day tour to ancient Olympia, we will arrive at the archaeological site of Olympia which became the most important athletic centre in Greece. Its fame rests upon the Olympic Games, the greatest national festival and a highly prestigious one world-wide, which was held every four years to honor Zeus. The Olympic flame of the modern-day Olympic Games is lit by the sunlight reflection in a parabolic mirror in front of the Temple of Hera and then travels by a torch to the country where the Games are held.

The Temple of Hera, one of the oldest monumental temples in Greece, is a Doric peripteral hexastyle temple dedicated to Hera that stands in the north-west corner of the site.

The Philippieion is one of the finest examples of ancient Greek architecture. Located west of the Temple of Hera, it was dedicated to Zeus by Philip II of Macedon.

The Stadium of Olympia, situated at the east side was where the ancient Olympic Games and the Heraia, the women’s games in honor of Hera, were held. The racetrack is 212.54 metres long and 30-34 meters wide and the Stadium could accommodate approximately 45.000 people. As in current day athletics, a white block was placed on one end of the track where the athletes would line up to place their feet and got ready to start the race.

The Museum of Olympia, with great archaeological findings and pieces of art is also worth a visit.

When our Ancient Olympia day private tour is completed, we will return back to Athens.